Fusion blades worth it?

[epstud74 24]

Has anyone swapped out their LS2 blades for the Fusion?

Anyone noticed a difference?

I've got some cash to burn and am bored. I love my G70s..very comfortable..Got them w/the Tuuk LS2s a little over a year ago. Just want to play around and see how the Fusion blade works.

Has anyone used the Step Steel version as well?

[fultonreed 1]

From what I heard, they last 1/2 as long due to sharpenings

[jimmy 194]

The Fusions are lighter, so you will benefit from that. Anytime you can get less weight on the extremities, its better. Whether that shows in your level of play, is up to you. STEP's titanium/steel runners are not out yet.

[magmajesus 0]

I switched the standard steel in my one100s for fusion steel. When I held both runners in each hand, it made sense. When they are on the skate, I can't really tell the difference.

If you're bored and have some cash, go for it. Don't expect game changing performance though.

[epstud74 24]

I dont expect game changing experiences..Just like to fudge with my equipment.

Anyone have any idea what improvements Step Steel will make on the Fusion concept?

[vaporboy12 0]

fusion uses aluminum which is a softer metal

step used titanium which is strong metal and also lighter than aluminum.

http://www.differencebetween.net/object/difference-between-aluminum-and-titanium/

[lohnman 0]

why not go for the ultimate blade experience and install Nitinol blades?

[JR Boucicaut 3809]

why not go for the ultimate blade experience and install Nitinol blades?

Good luck finding a sharpener.

From what I heard, they last 1/2 as long due to sharpenings

Wrong - they stop at where you need to stop on standard blades.

[lohnman 0]

I sharpen them myself and have had no problems maintaining them. You just need to be patient and take your time. They are very durable as well. I have an outdoor rink for my son to skate on and the Nitinol holds up much better than stainless steel. A set of these would give you several years of service.

[JR Boucicaut 3809]

Which is the point I am making.

Nitinol just is not practical for the masses, as 99% of the sharpeners won't have the right tools to sharpen them. Hell, 99% don't even know about it.

[lohnman 0]

For the hockey equipment junkie looking for the ultimate they are worth it. The entire college team in my town are on them now, improvements are being made in the material and the ability to maintain them. All the feedback is nothing but positve from the players I have spoken with.

[ZurichLions 0]

I have switched LS2 to Fusion Steel on my X60. It definitely is a noticeable difference. I have heavy feet and can use all the help I can get! As JR said, there is no difference at all with sharpenings or longevity. The steel is the same as in the LS2 and once you get down to the aluminum, they are done anyway.

[zebra_steve 11]

All of this fusion, scalloped, rocket, Step Ti, etc reminds me of back in the day when I raced bicycles and we drilled holes in everything to try to make it lighter..... then the manufacturers looked to lighter materials and processes as technology emerged... the top end stuff was always on the cutting edge and while going lighter was always considered beneficial - the true value of what little weight was shed was dubious at best for all but the top level where any advantage was sought no matter the cost. Now when you compare it over time, there were great weight savings over the older technology and the end result was better performing mid and low end stuff because of the R&D done on the high end components. Kinda like comparing a Canadien 6001 stick to a new OPS.... or a Micron 1090 Mega to a TO skate - HUGE difference in weight, some difference in performance. IMHO, to the average Joe, the cost of the Fusion or Step Ti version over the standard runner probably doesn't pass a cost-benefit analysis. Once the technology catches up and they become standard fare at a more reasonable price then they will make more sense.

[jimmy 194]

For the hockey equipment junkie looking for the ultimate they are worth it. The entire college team in my town are on them now, improvements are being made in the material and the ability to maintain them. All the feedback is nothing but positve from the players I have spoken with.

Dennis, how long does it take you to do a pair? Your using the X02 stones correct? I've been doing them on the Special Triumph stone made for nitinol and it still takes me a while. Make sure you do them very slow and take many breaks, as regular stones can overheat the alloy. It sounds like you are already, that's good.

BTW, the advantage of nitinol is more than just lightness. Stronger, nearly unbreakable, harder (6x longer edge retention), 3-5% more glide, and flex. Because of the price, it won't be for everyone, but some people pay $800-1000 for skates, so there will certainly be a market for them, just like there is for Fusions.

[JR Boucicaut 3809]

I've wanted to try them for quite some time. The mfgr even signed up, but alas, nothing came of it.

Regardless, my point is still valid - it isn't ready for prime time.

The avg sharpener isn't going to go slow and take their time, because they just can't.

It's a niche product at best. And there isn't anything wrong with that.

[jimmy 194]

My set of goal steel should be here soon. I'm also excited to try them, especially since the alloy is as strong as the posts so it should be able to take a beating and still hold edges. Should also be the last set of steel I ever have.

[lohnman 0]

It usually takes me about 15 minutes to do a set. I probably take more time than needed, but it works for me. I have yet to run into the chipping issue that can occur when you get them too hot. I dress the stone often, its easy to see when its time to dress when there are less sparks being produced during a pass. I put a flat bottom on them and I think they take the shape better than steel. If you figure that you have to sharpen them less it really is a wash. My son loves them, I put a set of step steel back in his skates and he knew immediately. The equipment guy at the university has stated that the guys are hooked and have no interest in gong back to steel. I think the flexibility in tight turns and on hard stops is something that sets them apart from steel. You can dig right in on a stop and never experience blade chatter. The cost is high but they will easily last my son a couple of seasons.

[Too Old 1]

titanium which is strong metal and also lighter than aluminum.

http://www.differencebetween.net/object/difference-between-aluminum-and-titanium/

Huh?

[JR Boucicaut 3809]

It usually takes me about 15 minutes to do a set. I probably take more time than needed, but it works for me. I have yet to run into the chipping issue that can occur when you get them too hot. I dress the stone often, its easy to see when its time to dress when there are less sparks being produced during a pass. I put a flat bottom on them and I think they take the shape better than steel. If you figure that you have to sharpen them less it really is a wash. My son loves them, I put a set of step steel back in his skates and he knew immediately. The equipment guy at the university has stated that the guys are hooked and have no interest in gong back to steel. I think the flexibility in tight turns and on hard stops is something that sets them apart from steel. You can dig right in on a stop and never experience blade chatter. The cost is high but they will easily last my son a couple of seasons.

And you're sharpening them with which X02 wheel?

[lohnman 0]

The orange one, it seems to work fine for me. I have heard that the black walnut is "the one" for nitinol but as you know its not available.

[JR Boucicaut 3809]

It isn't "the one" for Nitinol as they don't make a wheel to sharpen Nitinol with, and they don't advertise it as such. However, it is the most aggressive wheel they sell.

[lohnman 0]

What I meant is that the black walnut is the wheel that works best of all the wheels that Blackstone sells, as I have a X02. This was suggested from the manufacturer of the Nitinol not from Blackstone Sports.

[jimmy 194]

What I meant is that the black walnut is the wheel that works best of all the wheels that Blackstone sells, as I have a X02. This was suggested from the manufacturer of the Nitinol not from Blackstone Sports.

The walnut does sharpen them and is cooler than the rest but you have to dress after every 2-3 passes. Now I'm using the special wheel made for nitinol on my blackstone but it won't fit on the X series. This wheel is not made by blackstone. What is also good is the ceramic prosharp blue wheels, they don't clog as easy as the conventional stones. Next time you are in the area I have a used up one for you, ground down so much it just might fit on your x02.

[lohnman 0]

That would be great. We will be coming through there in a couple of weekends on our way up to Burlington VT. I'll be sure to stop in.

Can you dress the special made wheel with a spinner? If so it must wear the spinner out quicker than a conventional stone?

[JR Boucicaut 3809]

what about the arbor size?